1424 Restaurant1424 Washington Avenue254.752.7385Wed.-Fri. 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.Sat. 5:00-10:00 p.m.Sun. 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.Reliable lunch and dinner option with a delightful outside patio. Especially good with their Greek dishes (like the grilled lamb chops) and their dessert options (white chocolate bread pudding). As an aside, their Austin cream pie is, in fact, a chocolate cake with creamy layers, and one that should be tried.

Amelia's1509 Austin Avenue254.714.1229Tues.-Sat. 11:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.A perfect place for ladies who lunch, but the desserts are so good that the men are willing to navigate the chicken salad plate, too. Do not miss the buttermilk pie. Try the one with coconut baked on top, too. While you're at it, throw in a slice of Italian cream cake.

Bangkok Royal215 South University Parks Drive254.757.2741Super-fresh Thai food only minutes from campus. You absolutely must end each meal with a scoop of their homemade coconut ice cream.

Baris904 North Valley Mills Drive254.772.2900Best pizza in town. If you like sausage, pay a bit extra for the Italian sausage upgrade.

Common Grounds1123 South 8th Street254.757.2957Mon.-Sun. 7:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.The go-to destination for a morning coffee, an afternoon espresso meeting, and the occasional live music at night. Indoor couches, outdoor patios.

George's1925 Speight Avenue254.753.1421Mon.-Sat. 6:30 a.m.-12:00 a.m.Iconic local joint with food that everyone loves; a favorite of former president George Bush, country singer Pat Green, and a host of other international figures. Order at least one round of crazy wings-a morsel of chicken breast and pepper-jack cheese wrapped in chopped jalapeno and a slice of bacon, and then deep fried. You dip it in ranch dressing, in case you were wondering.

Homestead Heritage608 Dry Creek Road254.754.9600Mon.-Fri. 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.Sat. 7:00a.m.-6:00 p.m.Enjoy food from their fields, tilled by horse-pulled tools, cheese made from the milk of their cows and goats and sheep, loaves and loaves of freshly baked breads, and a jalapeno sweet potato soup to die for. Dessert would require another full paragraph.

Kitok1815 North 18th Street254.754.1801Greasy-spoon hamburger joint run by Koreans and written up in the New York Times; skip the bulgogi and order the double lip-locker with cheese and their oriental fries.

The Olive Branch Bakery and CaféShops at River Square215 South Second Street254.757.0885Mon-Fri. 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.Sat.-Sun. 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.Students love their delicious quiche, soups, salads and sandwiches. You'll want to save room for Leah's homemade cookies and cupcakes. If you're looking for breakfast, drop by for French toast or an omelet.

Tony DeMaria's Bar-B-Que1000 Elm Street254.755.8888Mon.-Fri. 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Sat. 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.Barbecue, Waco-style, with high kudos from Texas Monthly. (Chosen as one of the 50 best in Texas, no less.) Don't arrive too late. It officially closes at 2pm, but when the meat's gone, the doors close.

Uncle Dan's Barbeque1001 Lake Air Drive254.772.3532Mon.-Sat. 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.Waco natives love this place. The former US Ambassador to Sweden, Waco native Lyndon Olson, Jr., has been known to FedEx an entire fete of Uncle Dan's 'cue over to the embassy so the Swedes can get a taste of some slow-smoked beef and a side of his famous potato salad.